Travelling like the early monks – with body and soul: the Monks' Trail

People cycling along the 342km Monks' Trail are following a centuries-old tradition: welcome to a modern style of pilgrimage from Glücksstadt on the River Elbe to the island of Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea.

The Monks' Trail is a wonderful opportunity to retrace the steps of the first Christian missionaries of the Middle Ages on a cycling pilgrimage between the river Elbe and the Baltic Sea. Almost completely surfaced with asphalt, it runs predominantly through unspoilt countryside and combines history with spirituality. It passes through the glorious countryside of the Steinburg, Segeberg, Plön and Ostholstein districts, filling your lungs with fresh air and delighting your soul with a wealth of charming scenery. Along the way, there are also countless brick and stone churches, castles and historical abbeys. This informative and relaxing cycling tour introduces pilgrims to the world of the Slavs and their struggle against the first Christians in Holstein, the Mission of Saint Vicelin, the Bishop of Holstein (1090-1154, the 'apostle' of the people of Holstein and Wagria), and the churches which are the legacy of the first Christians in the region. These not only house a number of historical art treasures from different eras; they also reflect the messages of this early religion: relaxation and meditation – two aspects of monastic life that you can experience on a cycling pilgrimage. If you wish to experience first-hand how monks live, a trip to the Benedictine abbey in Nütschau is an absolute must. Adjacent to the abbey, Ansgar House is open to all denominations and offers overnight accommodation, good food and, above all, an insight into the centuries-old traditions of monastic life.